Phuket police arrest 11 in illegal cockfighting raid

Phuket City Police arrested 11 people during a raid on an alleged illegal cockfighting venue in Soi King Kaew 6, seizing two fighting roosters, an arena and a clock used in connection with the activity.

Police said officers from the Phuket City Police investigation division conducted the raid after receiving a tip that illegal cockfighting regularly took place at an unmarked shack. Officers approached on foot and found about 11 people inside, whom they said were engaged in cockfighting.

The suspects comprised two Thai nationals and nine Myanmar nationals. Police identified the Thai suspects as Thongtem Winthachai, 55, and Sompong Phutmee, 43, both from Roi Et. The Myanmar nationals were identified as Aung Zaw Tun, 39; Than Htwe, 49; Maung Soe, 60; Kyaw Ko, 43; Mung Htay, 58; San Win, 39; Tin Htet Win, 25; Kyaw Than Chay, 35; and Inaing Thang, 60.

Police said several matches had begun before the raid and that all 11 suspects confessed to participating in illegal gambling through cockfighting. They were charged jointly with participating in illegal cockfighting gambling without permission. Aung Zaw Tun was additionally charged with organising illegal gambling through cockfighting for monetary gain without permission.

The suspects and seized evidence were taken to Phuket City Police Station for further legal proceedings.